House training your new puppy is about patience, positive reinforcement, forming good habits and consistency. Many puppies aren't house trained when you first bring them home, so there is lots to teach them.
"Puppies are exploring their new world, which is fun, exciting, and full of incredible smells, flavours and textures so they want to try everything," an expert from the PDSA tells Country Living.
"It's important to understand that nothing is sacred to a puppy and they could show interest in furniture, clothes, shoes, toys, even ornaments. Puppies don't understand what is good or bad for them, or what they should or shouldn't chew."
Keep reading for everything you need to know about house training a puppy...
Tip 1: Dog-proof your home
Puppies can get into all sorts of things, from rubber bands to cleaning supplies, so it's important you dog-proof your home to remove temptation. Place all of their toys into a personalised storage box so they know where to find toys, blankets and chew bones.
"Take everything up a level out of reach of your puppy, like you would with a crawling baby, and consider baby gates to keep them out of certain rooms where hazards may lie," the PSDA say.
"This way your precious pup won't get themselves into trouble for chewing the wrong thing. Provide plenty of pet safe toys, and direct them to what you want them to play with and chew."
Tip 2: Reward your puppy
Praise and reward will motivate your puppy so they continue to repeat their good behaviour. Whether it's their favourite treat or a game in the park, training with positive reinforcement teaches your dog that good things happen when they make a good choice.
"Training is really important for you and your puppy's long term happiness together," the PDSA say. "The key to training puppies is to reward them when they do something correct and to brush over mistakes, which helps them understand how you would like them to behave."
Tip 3: Don't be afraid of the word 'no'
Dogs might not be able to make sense of a full sentence, but they will soon learn what words such as 'sit', 'walk', and 'dinner' mean. When it comes to house training your furry friend, the PDSA explain the important of the word 'no'.
"You don't need to shout or scare them but a firm 'no' can make them sit up, listen and pause whatever they're doing that could be dangerous for them. Teaching them the command 'drop', rewarding them when they give up the item can be very helpful now and in the long term as even older dogs can try to eat things they shouldn't. Training classes can be really helpful for bonding and learning to work together."
If you are still struggling to train your puppy, training classes can be really helpful for bonding and learning to work together.
24 indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers
KONG Tires Durable Rubber Chew Toy and Treat Dispenser for Power Chewers
This tyre-shaped chew toy has been made from durable rubber, so it's perfect for determined chewers. It also gives owners the chance to fill the inside with tasty treats, too. Available in two sizes for you to choose the best for your breed.
READ MORE: 6 dog games great for training and bonding
Built for durability, this bright red dog toy will offer your four-legged friend mental and physical stimulation. Starting from £9, it's a real steal buy.
Made from hemp and recycled cotton, this rope ring's tough fibres work to clean your pup's teeth while also being a whole lot of fun to play with.
Soft yet durable, this cute grey bear has minimal stuffing and an internal knotted rope skeleton.
One of the toughest dog balls on the market, this sweet 'planet' design has been made with award-winning Orbee Tuff material. Certain to provide hours of fun...
Ideal for dogs who love to swim, this floating fabric toy has a handle and is designed with abrasion-resistant materials for increased durability. Make sure not to forget it on your next beach trip.
This durable rubber mango toy — which can be filled with dog treats — is sure to provide hours of chewing fun. Perfect for small and medium dog breeds.
Keep your dog entertained for hours with this purse-friendly squeaky toy shaped like a carrot. Plus, we love that you can pick this up at the supermarket as you do your weekly food shop or even have it delivered with your groceries.
Give your dog one of their five a day with this sweetcorn chew toy. It has been designed especially for aggressive chewers and is suitable to small, medium, and large dogs in any breeds. We think dogs will love its small sound function.
If your pup is a fiend for peanut butter, you might want to introduce this peanut butter flavour chew toy into their playtime routine. The T-shape allows them to grip it easily with their paws while the raised nubs on it can help keep their teeth clean.
If they prefer the taste of bacon, why not try this double-bend bone toy. It's available in a range of sizes to ensure that your dog doesn't miss out on this tasty treat.
Let the fun commence with this long-lasting squeaker football dog toy. Perfect for keeping your dog entertained in the garden.
This durable wooden stick is great for dogs who love to chew regularly. While keeping your dog occupied for hours, it's also great for their dental hygiene.
Built to last, this fun donut dog toy has been made from high-quality material and will not wear down dogs' teeth.
This bright fetch toy is ideal for interactive fun. It has a squeaker and a practical handle for throwing at your pup. We're certain they'll love this!
Made from three strands of heavy duty tightly woven rope, this traditional rope toy is perfect for medium or larger breeds and can withstand some serious pulling and tugging.
This chew toy encourages healthy, non-destructive chewing habits with dogs. And it also has a tasty flavour to it too.
Great for young puppies, this gentle bone will help teething pups who have not yet formed any adult teeth.
We love this unique toy, which is great for chew sessions and endless fun. Top tip: fill with peanut butter to extend playtime and satisfy chewing instincts.
In a blush pink, this large onion toy is surprisingly durable. Best of all, it's currently on sale for less than £3.50.
Another great option if your dog loves to play fetch, this durable fetch stick toy not only makes it easier for them to spot where their stick has landed when you're out on a walk or a trip to the park. But it also works for all dogs of all sizes.
Looking for a durable rubber frisbee? Well, look no further, as this red style from KONG is perfect for keeping your four-legged friends fit and healthy.
Another great frisbee option is this XL one. It might even be easier for your four legged friend to grip and it's also currently on sale.
Made by Arm & Hammer, this gorilla-shaped toy is infused with baking soda to safely help with bad breath. Add in the fact that it is extremely durable and has a built-in treats dispenser and we can see why so many shoppers have given it five-star reviews.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
